Should fat people, smokers and alcoholics be denied NHS treatment unless they kick their habit?
We need to look at the whole NHS system as it needs amending big time. Is it fair that a fat person gets a gastric band whilst an Alzheimer’s suffer gets refused drugs that will extend the quality part of their lives? No of course not. But simple economics suggest that paying for a Gastric band now will save money in the future – whilst Alzheimer’s is not curable and is only a temporary solution. I have two ideas for a new 21st century NHS. 1. Like the US bring in a fax tax where foods that are high in fat and salt are taxed more than those that aren’t with the extra tax going directly to the NHS. I would also increase duty on cigarettes and alcohol again with the money going directly to the NHS. For me who doesn’t smoke, and doesn’t eat that unhealthy very often the cost is small but the chances are I will not need treatment for smoking related or obesity caused disease. 2. A public funded NHS for emergency and life saving treatment only – with an optional top up scheme. So things lik
